2010 Elementary Math Awardee Kathleen McCarthy

Kathleen McCarthy

Elementary Mathematics Awardee

“The Presidential Award celebrates and recognizes effective mathematics teaching. It validates those who go above and beyond the call of duty inside and outside the classroom. I am honored and proud to belong to such an esteemed group of outstanding educators. This award reaffirms my dedication to working with students who have been traditionally underserved in public schools. I am thankful for my colleagues, students, and their families for helping me become the teacher I am today.”

Kathleen McCarthy has been a bilingual classroom teacher for the past 8 years. She has taught second grade bilingual classes at Washington Elementary School in the San Leandro Unified School District for the last 6 years, and previously she taught in the Hayward and Oakland Unified School Districts.

Katy’s passion for fostering a linguistically and mathematically rich learning environment is immediately apparent upon entering her classroom. She thrives on the challenges of teaching children whose home language is Spanish. She incorporates her students’ language and culture into engaging mathematical lessons, where manipulatives and realia enhance the fun of learning mathematical concepts. She especially enjoys creating games that reinforce logical and mathematical thinking.

Katy’s dedication to her students and their families is paramount. She has voluntarily tutored struggling students after school, encouraged families to borrow mathematics materials, and conducted home visits to increase parental involvement.

She has served on several committees, including the school site council, principal’s lead team, and biliteracy task force.

Katy has a B.A. in child development from Mills College. She is a certified bilingual elementary teacher and is National Board Certified in English as a new language.